ABOUT THE DIGITAL LEARNING PLAN

Overview

This Digital Learning Plan (DLP) outlines the vision, goals, and strategies for integration and builds upon the foundation of technology established at MAS since 2000. We recognize that technology evolves rapidly and long-term predictions are often unreliable. This plan's goal is to serve as a collaborative effort with all Nova stakeholders including educational staff, administrators, and the technology department--each encompassing the voices of those they represent.

This plan was inspired by and modified from successful districts' plans and research-based frameworks. MAS’s Digital Learning Plan is a modified version of the Future Ready Schools (FRS) framework as a launchpad. This framework allows MAS to move beyond mere technology integration and toward leveraging technology to empower educators and transform teaching methods for all learners.

This plan paves the way for annual adjustments, progress monitoring, and transparent communication of how technology contributes to both student achievement and innovation at Milwaukee Academy of Science.

Vision

MAS envisions a learning environment where technology empowers students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and responsible digital citizens.

Goals

• Enhance student learning: Integrate technology into curriculum and instruction to deepen understanding, personalize learning, and develop 21st-century skills.

• Promote equity and access: Ensure all students have equitable access to technology and digital resources to support their academic success.

• Develop digital citizenship: Foster responsible digital citizenship skills in students, including digital literacy, online safety, and ethical decision-making.

• Empower educators: Provide ongoing virtual and in-person professional development opportunities for teachers to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practice.

• Build a supportive infrastructure: Invest in technology resources and modernize infrastructure to support the implementation of the DLP.

Strategies

• Curriculum and Instruction:

• Align technology use with curriculum standards and learning objectives.

• Implement evidence-based instructional strategies that leverage technology.

• Provide differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

• Utilize online resources and tools to enhance student engagement and access to information.
  
  

• Professional Development:

• Offer professional learning opportunities both in virtual and in-person settings for teachers to develop their skills in using technology for instruction.

• Provide ongoing support and coaching for teachers as they integrate technology into their classrooms.

• Foster a collaborative learning environment among teachers to share best practices and resources.
  
  

• Technology Resources and Infrastructure:

• Invest in a reliable and secure technology infrastructure to support the needs of students and teachers.

  • 1. Migration of wireless security from PSK-based to RADIUS authentication

  • 2. Automation of account provisioning

  • 3. Replace aging on-premise server hardware

  • 4. Implement a reliable backup, archive and disaster recovery solution for cloud-based data

  • 5. Investigate a ticketing system for reporting IT related work requests

  • 6. Implement a standard replacement cycle for student devices

• Provide adequate access to devices, software, and other digital resources.

• A robust Chromebook/staff device refresh cycle beginning in 2024:

  • 1. • 13 carts/390 student devices/year refresh cycle beginning in 2024

       • 20 staff devices/year refresh cycle beginning in 2024

• Ensure accessibility features are in place to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

  • Read&Write

  • Mote
    
    

• Digital Citizenship:

• Integrate digital citizenship education into the curriculum across all grade levels.

  • SEL

  • Week of tech

• Teach students how to be responsible and safe online citizens.

  • 1. • Common Sense Media

• Promote ethical decision-making and critical thinking skills related to online information.

  • 1. • Common Sense Media
         
         

• Assessment and Evaluation:

• Regularly assess the impact of technology on student learning and achievement.

• Utilize data-driven decision-making to inform future planning and implementation of the DLP.

Benefits

How will everyone benefit from this plan?

This digital learning initiative will provide student with access to technology to deepen their learning experiences in our classroom, prepare them with necessary skills for their future, and have similar educational experiences as students in surrounding school districts who they will be competing for jobs in the future.

• • Students will have access to a vast amount of digital content that provides engaging and challenging instruction anytime, anywhere for all learners.

  • Families will have the peace of mind knowing their child’s learning extends beyond the classroom and includes a variety of media and resources.

  • Our Community will have students who graduate with critical skills and knowledge to contribute to the growth and development within the Nova Nation.

  • Teachers will have resources that personalize instruction and develop skills in collaboration and creation that students will apply to college, career and life experiences, equipping them to excel in a rapidly changing digital world.

Why is the goal to have a Chromebook for Every Student at MAS?

• Engages students in learning

• Enhances and accelerates learning for all student learning needs

• Promotes collaboration, creation, consumption, critical thinking and digital citizenship

• Strengthens technology skills necessary for future student success

• Aligns implementation to adopted state and local standards

• Supports IEPs with the inclusion of modification tools

• Creates efficiency and practice for Online Standardized Testing

• Stay competitive with other school districts in the area

Resources

• Milwaukee Academy of Science

• International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards

• National Education Technology Plan

• Common Sense Media

This outline provides a starting point for the development of a comprehensive Digital Learning Plan for the Milwaukee Academy of Science. By utilizing the information found on the school website and incorporating additional resources and best practices, MAS can create a plan that effectively leverages technology to enhance learning for all students.